Massachusetts Special Election Dates Set: Primary April 30, General Election June 25

Massachusetts Secretary of State William P. Galvin announced dates on Monday for the state's special election, which will occur upon the confirmation of Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) to the position of U.S. Secretary of State.

The general election will occur on June 25, and the primary will take place on April 30, said Galvin, according to the Boston Globe.

The only announced candidate for the election is Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) who has received a flood of endorsements from Democrats -- including Kerry -- and has a $3.1 million war chest. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) is said to be mulling a run, but he said on Friday that he hasn't yet made a decision, after the Globe reported that he was definitely running.

Former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), who lost in November, hasn't made a decision either about entering the race. Early Saturday morning, he tweeted a few incomprehensible messages at critics.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) has said that he will appoint a place holder -- who will not run in the election -- to the seat after Kerry is confirmed, as expected.